The satellite spectrum allocation by the government of India has intensified lobbying by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio as it gets increasingly paranoid of Elon Musk-led Starlink and Jeff Bezos-led Amazon’s Project Kuiper that is vying for the project. While Starlink and Kupier, among other global competitors, are rooting for the government’s administrative allocation, Reliance is seeking for an auction process. Per industry sources RIL’s private letter addressed to Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, dated October 10 has seeked intervention in TRAI Satcom consultation for a level-playing field between satellite-based and terrestrial communication services. Per the letter while the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) correctly recognised the need for level playing field, however its consultation paper overlooks this critical issue. Jio alleged that the regulator did not solicit any stakeholder’s views before preemptively closing the matter. The telco argued that the stakeholders are deprived of voicing their opinions by not being allowed to ask pertinent questions. Per Jio the recent advancement in satellite technologies such as Direct-to-Device (D2D), Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems and services have blurred the line between satellite and terrestrial networks thereby competing directly on the terrestrially covered areas. In its statement to Reuters, Reliance Jio stated that the telco has requested the regulatory watchdog to amend its consultation paper and also consult on the methodology of assignment. Per the outlet, a TRAI official stated that due process has been followed and Reliance is welcome to share feedback during the consultation phase. Meanwhile Starlink argues that administrative allotment is in line with the global trend.
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